It was jubilation galore at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, Igando-Oloja today Tuesday 9th July, 2024 as Akodo kingdom got a monarch.
The installation and presentation of staff of office to the HRM Oba Abdulakeem Olokodana as the 1st Alakodo of Akodo kingdom which was held today at the Ibeju Lekki council Secretariat called for the presence of top government functionaries, traditional rulers and political leaders across the state
The Executive Chairman of Ibeju Lekki, Hon. Abdulahi Olowa Jaja, in his speech appealed to all sons and daughters of Akodo kingdom to eschew all forms of bitterness and rancour and give total support to the new monarch for peace and progress in Akodo and its environs.
The council helmsman said;
“Let me on behalf of the legislative arm and executive cabinet , the management staff of Ibeju Lekki Local Government and the good people of Akodo express our profound gratitude to the Lagos State government, the kingmakers and other stakeholders for making our dream of having a king in Akodo kingdom a reality”
“Dear Kabiyesi, Alakodo of Akodo, your selection and emergence as the Oba-elect of Akodo kingdom is the testament to your good pedigree, doggedness and total commitment to the service of humanity”
“We regard your kingship as a divine, well-deserved and appropriate for the growth, progress and development of entire Akodo kingdom. We are all proud of you”.
“We pray that your reign as the Alakodo of Akodo shall record unprecedented success and will also be impactful to the socio-political and economic well-being of the entire kingdom”.
“I hereby appeal to all sons and daughters of Akodo kingdom to eschew all forms of bitterness and rancour and give total support to the new monarch for peace and progress in Akodo and its environs”. He concluded
The Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert said;
“I’m delighted to be part of this memorable and historic occasion of the official installation and presentation of staff of office and instrument of appointment to HRM Oba Abdul Hakeem Olokodana as the Alakodo of Akodo kingdom in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area0
“Noteworthy, in this august occasion is the democratic effort of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that the processes for the installation of obas are transparent, legal and void of bottle-necks that do not befit the democracy that the Lagos State upholds”
“Let me commend Ekuti Ruling House for having a united front in the process of selecting Oba for the vacant stool”.
“It is the democratic and seamless process of selecting the candidate from the ruling house that culminated into the emergence of Prince Abdul Hakeem Olokodana; the Alakodo of Akodo kingdom; a testament of his acceptance by his people.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I congratulate your Royal Majesty for this special honour which the people of Akodo kingdom have bestowed on you.
“And it is our earnest prayer that the Almighty would bless your reign and guide you in the discharge of your Royal and Traditional duties.
“Let me remind you that the institution of traditional Obaship in our society, regardless of the Advent of modernisation, remain a rallying point for the generality of our people and it has been serving as a veritable vehicle for the dissemination of government policies and programmes and for the mobilisation of the populace for the collective development of our society.
“It is therefore important that as custodians of the culture and tradition of your people, you should be seen as a rallying point for the maintenance of communal peace and social development” the commissioner pointed out
He emphasised that the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu will not rest on its oars in bringing infrastructural development nearer to the people of Akodo kingdom, and in delivering the the dividends of democracy to their community.